Prince Andrew's remark that he wished he could have been a plumber has resurfaced in a new book by author Catherine Mayer, who accompanied him on a trade mission to China.
Trade Mission Revelation
In her book Divide and Rule, Catherine Mayer recounted joining Andrew on a trade delegation to China, noting she was the only journalist ever allowed to participate in one of his official business trips. The writer portrayed a royal she felt was frequently removed from ordinary life. She stated: "A few months earlier I had accompanied Andrew on one of his trade missions, the only journalist ever to do so. Royals are often disconnected from everyday realities, but the gaps in Andrew's understanding of the world yawned startlingly wide."
Barefoot Incident
Describing one episode during the journey, she wrote: "On another occasion, he demanded to know why I was barefoot." Catherine clarified that she had misplaced a shoe while trying to enter a moving vehicle after a royal motorcade set off. She stated: "He had apparently never noticed that his convoys set off as soon as he was seated, leaving anyone travelling at the back of the column to fling themselves at moving vehicles. I had lost a shoe in the process. He told me, for decorum, to wear the remaining one."
Trade Envoy Role
According to Catherine, Andrew's presence helped facilitate connections between British business leaders and Chinese officials during several formal engagements. Nevertheless, she indicated that many within royal circles questioned whether he was suited to his role as a trade envoy. She stated: "Any benefits to the UK came with a hefty price tag: intensive preparations, transport and accommodation for Andrew and his entourage, and four royal protection officers for the duration."
Plumber Confession
The most notable moment occurred during a private discussion in China, when Andrew reportedly said he would have preferred to pursue a practical trade rather than life as a royal representative. She recounted: "One afternoon in China, he confided to me that he wished he could have been a plumber." The disclosure has resurfaced as Andrew's circumstances have changed significantly in recent years.
Loss of Titles
In November 2025, the man previously known as Prince Andrew officially relinquished his royal titles and the entitlement to use the style His Royal Highness. Since then, he has reportedly lived largely out of the public spotlight, initially at Royal Lodge in Windsor before relocating to Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk in April.
Lack of Direction
Royal biographer Andrew Lownie, whose book Entitled explored Andrew's life and controversies, believes the former royal has struggled to establish direction since stepping back from public duties. Speaking on the Palace Confidential podcast, Lownie remarked: "I think he's someone who needs a discipline. I think the services were good for him. There was a focus there and and a discipline." He suggested that without the structure formerly provided by military and royal responsibilities, Andrew has been left without a defined sense of direction. Lownie added that the former prince has become increasingly absorbed in technology and video games, claiming he now spends a considerable amount of time using flight simulators.
